"Why is there tension here? Did Alex say he wants to kiss you?" Stales teased, his eyes darting between them. The moment the words left his mouth, Alex's face flushed red. He didn't find the joke funny at all.
"Have you lost it, boy?" Alex snapped, his voice edged with annoyance. He knew Stales was only joking, but it was not the kind of joke anyone should make.
Angela chuckled lightly and pointed behind Stales. "My mate is sleeping right there. You better stop before he hears you."
Stales glanced back at Kaito and shrugged, not even looking surprised. "He knows I'm joking," he said as he slid down beside Angela and pulled her into a hug. "How are you feeling?"
"Not good," she whispered, her voice heavy with sadness. "I just want Kaito to get better."
"He will," Stales murmured, smoothing her hair with gentle strokes. After a few moments he turned toward Alex and sighed. "I'm sorry, man. I didn't mean—"
